A 9-Day Journey from Ancient Temples to Annapurna Foothills

Today we explore the spiritual core of Kathmandu Valley, visiting four UNESCO World Heritage sites. We begin at Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic royal plaza, where you'll see the carved 55-Window Palace, the Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess's home), and the towering temples that showcase Newari craftsmanship.

Next, we ascend to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), one of the world's oldest Buddhist sites. Marvel at the iconic all-seeing eyes, spin prayer wheels, and enjoy panoramic valley views while observing the harmony of Hindu and Buddhist shrines.

In the afternoon, we visit Boudhanath Stupa, the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Join pilgrims circling the massive mandala-shaped stupa amidst fluttering prayer flags and the hum of mantras.

We conclude at Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Witness rituals along the holy Bagmati River and observe the evening Aarati ceremony—a powerful spectacle of light and devotion. This day reveals Kathmandu's profound spiritual tapestry.

Accommodation: Annapurna Mon Village Homestay, Ghachok | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Bid farewell to Kathmandu as you travel westward toward the Himalayas. After an early breakfast, you'll be transferred to the tourist bus park for a scenic 6-7 hour drive to Pokhara. The road follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, offering glimpses of rural Nepal—terraced farms, roadside markets, and river valleys. Upon reaching Pokhara, you'll continue by private vehicle to Ghachok, a traditional Gurung village nestled in the hills above the city. Far from the tourist crowds, Ghachok offers authentic mountain life. Check into your Annapurna Mon Village Homestay, where a local Gurung family will welcome you as their guest. In the evening, savor a home-cooked dinner prepared with organic ingredients from their farm, and enjoy the profound quiet of the Himalayan foothills under a canopy of stars. This is your first true immersion into Nepal's village hospitality.

Accommodation: Annapurna Mon Village Homestay, Ghachok | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wake to rooster calls and misty mountain views. After a farm-fresh breakfast, explore Ghachok with your host. Visit the local monastery where butter lamps flicker before ancient thangkas, and learn about Tibetan Buddhism's role in Gurung culture. Walk through paddy fields where water buffalo plow and farmers plant rice using centuries-old techniques. Participate in daily activities—perhaps grinding spices, milking livestock, or weaving. After lunch, a short drive brings you to Dhampus, another picturesque Gurung settlement on the renowned Annapurna Panorama Trek route. Your new homestay family introduces you to their world. Learn traditional farming methods—how to terrace hillsides, rotate crops, and irrigate using mountain streams. Join a cooking session to prepare dal bhat (lentils and rice) or momos (dumplings) over a clay oven. As dusk falls, the Annapurna range glows pink in the sunset—Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) feels close enough to touch. Share stories around the hearth before retiring to your simple, comfortable room.

Accommodation: Dhampus Homestay | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast and heartfelt goodbyes to your Dhampus hosts, drive deeper into the Annapurna region to Ghandruk, one of Nepal's largest and most iconic Gurung villages. Perched on a hillside with staggering mountain views, Ghandruk's stone houses with slate roofs exemplify traditional Himalayan architecture. Check into your comfortable lodge, then begin a guided exploration. Visit the Gurung Cultural Museum to understand the community's history, from their origins in western Tibet to their valor as Gurkha soldiers. See traditional costumes, musical instruments, and household artifacts. Walk through ancient alleyways, visit a local school, and perhaps try on the elaborate gold jewelry and woolen vest of traditional Gurung attire for photos. The afternoon offers optional short hikes to nearby viewpoints or through terraced fields where farmers tend potatoes, millet, and maize. As evening descends, the Himalayas transform into a jagged silhouette against the twilight sky—a view you'll carry forever.

Accommodation: Lodge at Ghandruk | Meals: Breakfast

Today brings one of Nepal's most celebrated experiences. After breakfast, drive to Sarangkot, a hill station famous for its sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Check into your resort, where your room balcony faces the Himalayas. The afternoon is free for optional activities: paragliding over Pokhara Valley (highly recommended for adventure seekers), gentle nature walks along ridge trails, or simply relaxing with a book and those incredible views. Visit small local shops selling handicrafts and interact with villagers who farm these steep slopes. As sunset approaches, find a vantage point to watch the mountains blush in the fading light. Enjoy a cozy dinner at your resort, resting early for tomorrow's alpine dawn.

Accommodation: Sarangkot Resort | Meals: Breakfast

Rise before dawn—it's worth it. Wrap yourself in a blanket and step outside to witness one of the planet's great mountain spectacles. As the first light hits the peaks, the entire Annapurna range (I, II, III, IV), Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre ignite in golden fire, reflecting in Pokhara's lakes below. After this soul-stirring sunrise and breakfast, descend to Pokhara for a day of lakeside leisure. Visit the World Peace Pagoda, a gleaming white stupa on a hilltop with panoramic lake and mountain views. Explore Davis Falls, a mysterious waterfall that vanishes underground, and the nearby Gupteshwor Cave with its sacred Shiva lingam. The highlight is boating on Phewa Lake, paddling past water lilies to the island temple of Barahi. As the sun sets behind the mountains, check into Hotel Pokhara Base for a comfortable overnight stay. Enjoy Pokhara's vibrant lakeside dining scene for dinner (on your own).

Accommodation: Hotel Pokhara Base | Meals: Breakfast

After an early breakfast, transfer to Pokhara's bus park for your return journey to Kathmandu. The drive follows a different route along the scenic Prithvi Highway, with river gorges and hillside villages. Upon reaching Kathmandu, instead of returning directly to your hotel, you'll visit one of the valley's most remarkable yet lesser-known sites: Budhanilkantha. Located at the northern edge of the city, this sacred complex houses a stunning 5th-century monolithic sculpture of Lord Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta in a tranquil pond. The 5-meter-long black stone image, believed to be self-manifested, is a masterpiece of Licchavi art and an active pilgrimage site. Witness evening prayers before transferring to Hotel Yellow Pagoda for your final night in Kathmandu. Enjoy a farewell dinner (optional) reflecting on your journey.

Accommodation: Resort | Meals: Breakfast

Your Nepal adventure concludes with a peaceful morning. If time permits before your flight, enjoy a final nature walk around the hotel or some last-minute shopping in Thamel for souvenirs like pashmina shawls, singing bowls, or handmade paper products. According to your flight schedule, you'll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before departure. As you check in, carry with you not just photographs, but memories of temple bells, mountain dawns, and the smiles of the people who shared their homes and hearts with you. Dhanyabad (thank you) and safe travels!

Accommodation: None | Meals: Breakfast